#11 Jamestown Settlement

The Ballard Boys visited the First Official Colonial Settlement of Jamestown this past weekend! They were amazed at how small the original fort was and how the Colonists expanded the Colony along the coast of the James River.

A Little Photo Op with the Beautiful Pocahontas!

There was a Beautiful Church build in the Settlement. The Church Tower is the only above ground  structure still remaining...

Plenty of Replicas to run through...

The Site of the First Landing...

Some Photos of the Ballard Boys Hiking Around Jamestown Island...

As Always...Needed more Exploration time...

#10 Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

The Ballard Boys visited Harpers Ferry this past weekend to learn a little about the Civil War Battles that occurred their.  It was also a Fabulous chance to visit with their friends Anna Grace and Chandler Cox.

Jebby visited with a Soldier on the Street.

Boys taking a little break drown by the River... 

William and Chandler at where the Potomac and Shenandoah River meet.

A little Break at the Local Tavern...

Just down from the Anna Grace and Chandler's house...

# 9 Fort McHenry

On Their way out of Baltimore the Ballard Boys stopped off at Fort McHenry to check out where the Star Spangled Banner was written.

The Boys standing at the water with the Fort behind them.

This is the view the British Navy had upon entering the Baltimore Harbor in 1812

The Boys down inside the Fort.

William checking out the ammunition stash.

The Boys inside the main circle in the Fort.

We were lucky enough to get to see a local High School Band march up to the flag and play the Star Spangled Banner Live for us! It was Very moving!

#8 Appomattox Court House

On Palm Sunday 1865 General Robert E. Lee Surrendered the Army of Northern Va to Lt. Gen Grant in the McLean House in Appomattox Court House Village. So what Better thing to do on Palm Sunday 2012 then to take the Ballard Boys for a little Visit of the McLean House!

Here is the Parlor where the Surrender took place...

Here is Appomattox Court House with the McLean House in the far left. Originally, Clover Hill Village and centered around a Tavern, Appomattox Court House got its name after the village became the county seat of Appomattox County.

The Boys checking out the "necessary room"!

Also spending a little time in jail!

Always the Map Reader! William acclimates James on which direction they should go next!

On April 9, 1865, from this spot the last shot was fired by the Artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia. The Cannon was located at the Peers House in the Northern end of town.

The Boys at the site of Lee and Grant's second meeting after the Surrender.

Just for Fun:

This is one of the Law Offices that was located in the Village of Appomatox Court House. I could totally see Jason in there Working Away!

Lastly Little Jebby having a "Nack" while Daddy and Willie explore the inside of the Court House!

Mommy and Daddy were a little Disappointed in how Little they remembered from History Class, guess we will be reading a little more before the next Battle Site!

#7 Natural Bridge, VA

Natural Bridge is one of the oldest Tourist Destinations in the Untied States! The Natural Bridge was formed when a cavern collapsed and left the span that stands today.

Once you pass under the bridge the trail continues for a mile along Cedar Creek and ends at Lace Waterfall! The trail was fabulous because it was mostly paved or packed down so we took the boys all the way to the end...

At about the mid-point of the trail there is a replica homestead of the Monacan Indians, who called this area home. William enjoyed exploring the homestead until he came across the two people in the tent dressed as Monacan tribesmen providing information to hikers on the trail!

William and Daddy taking a rest in the Monacan site...

William and Daddy trowing rocks into the bottom of the falls.

William and the falls! James didn't get to enjoy the falls because he slept the WHOLE way!

Natural Bridge is a fabulous place to take children! A little old and run down but everyone was fabulous and helpful! The hotel there was really neat looking and had a restaurant on site! Also if you are going to do the hike, there is a cafe at the beginning of the hike at the beginning of the creek that we wished they would have advertised! It was so peaceful and relaxing with Many other activities such as a Zoo, a Drive-thru Safari, Wax Museum, Toy Museum, and Natural Bridge Caverns!!!

#6 Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

The Ballard Boys have been busy since our last travels... They have left stormy KY for the beautiful and historic Charlottesville, VA. So fittingly we begin our travels with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello!

Taken advantage of our long 4th of July weekend, the Ballard Boys escaped to Thomas Jefferson's mountain to explore his pride and joy.

Jebby exploring Jefferson's many vegetable gardens.

William checking out the huge cabbage!

Time for a little rest in a "shady pot" as William would say...

Daddy and his Best Buddy next to the beautiful flowers on the terrace...

All-in-All a fabulous last minute trip out to Monticello! Everyone was fabulous and welcoming to a family who forgot their stroller! William's only disappointment was that he never got to meet Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson we will be back!